An 18-year-old man is facing a series of criminal charges following allegations he performed Nazi salutes at two separate shopping centres in Canberra and placed propaganda-style stickers on property.
Alleged Incidents at Shopping Centres and University
The man is expected to appear before the ACT Magistrates Court on Friday. Police will allege that in October, a member of the public confronted him as he was sticking up stickers at a shopping centre. It is claimed he then performed a Nazi salute before leaving the premises.
A second alleged incident occurred on 12 December at a different Canberra shopping centre, where the man again reportedly performed the offensive gesture.
Further charges relate to allegations the man trespassed on the campus of the Australian National University (ANU) on multiple occasions during August and September. During these visits, he is accused of sticking "propaganda-style stickers on buildings and other property".
Police Investigation and Seizure of Evidence
The case is being handled by a national security investigations team from the Australian Federal Police (AFP). On Wednesday, officers executed a search warrant at a property in the Canberra suburb of Weston.
During the search, police seized a significant amount of evidence, including:
- Mobile phones and a computer
- Storage devices and a video camera
- A quantity of stickers
- Clothing items
The man has been charged with two counts of damaging Commonwealth property in addition to the other alleged offences.
Strong Condemnation from Counter-Terrorism Police
Stephen Nutt, Assistant Commissioner of the AFP's Counter-Terrorism and Special Investigations command, issued a firm statement. "Antisemitism is not tolerated in Australia," he said.
"Anyone allegedly performing Nazi salutes is displaying criminal behaviour that brings pain and anguish to the Jewish community and divides Australian society," Nutt added.
He explained that the national security investigations team was established in September specifically to target individuals causing "high harm to Australia’s social cohesion including attempts to vilify marginalised communities".
"Antisemitism is a cancer that requires swift and direct action, which is what the AFP is continuing to do," Nutt stated. "Along with our law enforcement partners, we are committed to stopping hate, division and violence in the community."
Warning Signs of Potential Radicalisation
In connection with the case, police highlighted several behavioural signs that may indicate a person is becoming susceptible to radicalisation. These include:
- Distancing themselves from usual friends and family.
- An increase in extremist rhetoric or sharing of propaganda.
- Using hateful or emotionally charged language.
- Developing a fixation on conspiracy theories or contentious social issues.
- Displaying extreme reactions to news or political events.
- Spending increasing time in fringe internet forums.
The AFP urges anyone with concerns about an individual displaying such signs to contact authorities.
